President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a video message on the implementation of the EU Solidarity Lanes Initiative.
This initiative was launched on May 12, 2022. Its purpose is to promote the establishment and improvement of alternative routes for the export of Ukrainian agricultural products given the blockade of the Black Sea ports, as well as to ensure the possibility of importing necessary goods to Ukraine.
The initiative envisages the implementation of a set of measures to eliminate transport delays at the borders of Ukraine with the states of the European Union, improving road, rail and river connections between our country and the EU in the future.
Today, the European Commission together with the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development announced the allocation of additional 850 million euros in the framework of the initiative, and the World Bank - 100 million euros to support Ukrainian exports, in particular through the implementation of targeted joint projects.
In his address, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the entire united Europe for the constant support that Ukraine has been receiving since the first hours of the Russian invasion.
“Please, know that your defense assistance, as well as financial, political and humanitarian support, saved millions of lives. This is the solidarity that clearly demonstrates the strength of the European values. When Europe is truly united, not a single tyranny can take the freedom of the Europeans away,” the President emphasized.
The Head of State noted that by starting the full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia blocked Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, and a bigger part of Ukrainian export and import stopped.
“But we were able to open a new way of economic life through the territory of the European Union. Along this road of life, we established a supply that is critically important not only for Ukraine but also for the whole Europe and many other countries – partners of Europe,” he said.
“On the eve of the half-year anniversary of the Solidarity Lanes Initiative, I confirm our readiness to continue working together with you in order to further strengthen our Europe. Strengthen economically and socially. To strengthen our states, our companies, our people,” the President of Ukraine added.
The video address of the Head of State together with the speeches of President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of neighboring countries was broadcast by Europe by Satellite, the main television resource of the institutions of the European Union, and other EU information channels.